Ulster confirm new deals for Baloucoune, Marshall, Sexton and O Connor
The 23-year-old is currently sidelined with a hamstring issue but previously trained with Ireland. By Murray Kinsella Monday 25 Jan 2021, 3:24 PM Jan 25th 2021, 3:24 PM 5,785 Views 7 Comments
Robert Baloucoune has signed a new deal with Ulster.
Image: Tommy Dickson/INPHO
Image: Tommy Dickson/INPHO
ULSTER HAVE CONFIRMED that wings Robert Baloucoune and Aaron Sexton, centre Luke Marshall, and lock Alan O’Connor have signed two-year contract extensions with the province.
The new deals will keep all four players with Ulster until 2023 at least.
Baloucoune is currently sidelined after suffering a serious hamstring injury last August, but he has delivered excellent performances for Dan McFarland’s side in recent seasons. The Enniskillen man previously e
McBride braced for Munster s potent maul
Updated / Tuesday, 19 Jan 2021
08:45
Munster s maul, seen here against Ospreys earlier this season, has been identified as an attacking weapon by Leinster
Leinster and Munster should be preparing for European fare, but the impact of Covid-19 means both sides get the chance to renew rivalries at Thomond Park this weekend.
The provinces shared a similar record in Pro14 action, just one loss from nine games, with Munster top of Conference B, while Leinster trail unbeaten Ulster in Conference A having picked up a bonus point in every game thus far. Crucially, they have two games on Dan McFarland s side that sits five points clear at the top.
Leo Cullen's side got back on track against Ulster but there are aspects that need much improvement if they're going to continue their dominance in this country and beyond.
20-year-old McIlroy one of the big winners of the inter-pro series
The Ulster wing has shown his promise in three starts over recent weekends. By Murray Kinsella Tuesday 12 Jan 2021, 9:58 AM Jan 12th 2021, 9:58 AM 9,759 Views 10 Comments
Ethan McIlroy started and finished all three of Ulster s inter-pros.
Image: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO
Image: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO
THE FESTIVE INTER-pros are often a launchpad for young Irish players and the 2020/21 series has allowed us to see a little more of the emerging talent in the provinces.
20-year-old Ulster wing Ethan McIlroy is one of the big winners from recent weeks, having put together three impressive 80-minute outings for Dan McFarland’s side as they beat Connacht and Munster before a frustrating loss to Leinster last weekend.
Leinster pleased with response to kick up the arse from Connacht
Hugo Keenan and co. notched a bonus-point win against Ulster and denied the visitors anything. By Murray Kinsella Monday 11 Jan 2021, 6:00 AM Jan 11th 2021, 6:00 AM 6,869 Views 15 Comments
Hugo Keenan impressed for Leinster on Friday night.
Image: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO
Image: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO
FROM THE EARLIEST stages, it was clear that Leinster were ready to deliver a response.
Their impactful double tackles began in the very first defensive as the likes of Caelan Doris, James Ryan, and Rhys Ruddock put their shoulders in the way of Ulster ball-carriers.
80 minutes later, with Ulster desperately searching for a losing bonus point, Leinster were still at it in defence as one final collective effort concluded with Ross Byrne intercepting Dave Shanahan’s pa